Trump Criticizes Netanyahu Over Turkey Remarks Amid F-35 Talks

During a NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the strained relations between Israel and Turkey, as well as ongoing U.S.-Turkey negotiations over the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara. Trump expressed personal fondness for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but criticized Netanyahu's recent harsh comments about Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He acknowledged Netanyahu as an excellent wartime leader but noted that Netanyahu's rhetoric could have escalated tensions.

Trump revealed he had spoken directly with Netanyahu, urging caution, and claimed that Erdogan considered entering the conflict but refrained due to Trump's intervention. He described Turkey as a significant military power with millions of troops and advanced U.S.-supplied equipment, emphasizing Erdogan's interest in acquiring F-35 jets. Trump suggested Erdogan was rational and not fully aligned with the opposing side in the conflict.

Additionally, Trump mentioned his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, requesting China to avoid involvement in the conflict, noting that China had not supplied equipment or entered the fighting despite its dependence on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump praised Xi as a leader. Earlier the same day, Trump commented on the situation with Iran, stating that a ceasefire was no longer in effect and criticized the Iranian regime, calling them "sick people."